Dear Friends of the Ocala National Forest I am pleased to announce the availability of the Decision Notice and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Route Designation in the Sand Pine Scrub Ecosystem of the Ocala National Forest. The documents are available on the internet at http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida.

Alternative 3 includes:

· 529 miles of road · 21 miles of mixed-use roads · 96 miles of motorized trail · 245 miles of system road will change from maintenance level 2 to maintenance level 1 (no maintenance and not open to public use) · Four trailheads and eight Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) corrals to provide OHV parking · 81-mile designated four-wheel driveway opportunity for use by highway legal vehicles with pullouts that provide slow-speed challenges such as downed log obstacles · 51 miles of seasonal roads from Alternative 4 open November-January to improve hunting during general gun season

When compared to the other alternatives, this alternative will meet the purpose and need for action described in the EA. An essential feature of the modified-Alternative 3 is it provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about and explore the forest in harmony with the natural setting. The designated system in modified-Alternative 3 takes necessary actions to improve resource conditions by reducing impacts on natural and cultural resources, improving recreational opportunities, improving safety, and reducing user conflicts.

Implementation of the modified Alternative 3 will be phased in over multiple years. Priority work will be established based on funding, available workforce and other forest work. Priorities will be to direct use away from sensitive habitats and onto the designated routes.

For further information on this decision, contact Heather Callahan, Ocala National Forest, 40929 SR 19, Umatilla, Florida 32784 or by phone at (352) 669-3153.